Prince William, Catherine praise Kangaroo Island bushfire recovery

In special video call with Kangaroo Island residents, Prince William and Catherine praise community for ‘pulling together’ after bushfires.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and his wife Catherine (bottom left) speak about the devastating Kangaroo Island bushfires with (clockwise, from top left) wildlife park owner Dana Mitchell, Captain Mike Swayne and Brigadier Damian Cantwell. Picture: Kensington Palace

The Kangaroo Island community in South Australia has been praised for “pulling together” and overcoming the bushfire devastation in a special London-Australia video call by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William and his wife Catherine spoke to Kangaroo Island community leaders last week and heard about the spread of the fire and how the island’s residents were protected in the most challenging of circumstances. Two people died on the island during the January bushfires.

Prince William, a trained helicopter pilot experienced in dealing with medical emergencies before retiring three years ago to take on more official duties for the Queen, was interested in the first responders challenges.

“It’s fantastic to hear about the community spirit in Australia as always, which is what Catherine and I see when we come down there,” he said.

“Aussies are very good at looking out for each other and it’s fantastic to see that you’re all pulling together.”

Captain Mike Swayne, who spent five weeks fighting the fires as a volunteer for the South Australian Country Fire Service, told the Royals of the difficulties faced on the ground. Nearly half of the island, including homes, livelihoods and wildlife, were destroyed.

Fire ravages Kangaroo Island in stills from footage taken by the Seven News helicopter on January 9. Picture: Channel 7

Capt Swayne described the weather conditions and the speed at which the fires spread and the couple also heard about the Australian Defence Force Taskforce supporting local emergency services and the affected communities in South Australia.

Wildlife park owner Dana Mitchell, who provided vital care to hundreds of animals harmed during the fires, spoke about how the island’s wildlife was affected, including the devastating impact on its koala population, and the work that is being done to reintroduce rescued animals back into the wild and restore their natural habitats.